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trujillo-peru-history

Posted On: 04 April 2025 #TierrasVivas 137
trujillo-peru-history

With its mild climate, radiant beaches, and colonial architecture, the "City of Eternal Spring" enchants its visitors. Discover the history of this beautiful city as it prepares to commemorate another anniversary.

One of the most beautiful cities in our country, Trujillo, known as "The City of Eternal Spring," is preparing to celebrate its founding this March 5th. This wonderful city, located in northwestern Peru, is renowned for its mild climate, radiant beaches, and beautiful colonial architecture, intertwined with impressive archaeological sites. With a population of 1,034,300 in 2023, this city is positioned as the fourth most populated city in the country.

History

Since ancient times, before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors, communities descended from the Moche, Chimu, and Inca cultures settled here. The Moche, ancient inhabitants of the region, were absorbed by the Chimú, who in turn yielded to the influence of the Incas.

When the Spanish conquistadors arrived in the area where the city is located today, they found several settlements. Huanchaco, in particular, was a meeting point for the indigenous people, who came there to fish.

The Founding of Trujillo

The history of Trujillo dates back to late 1534, when the Spaniard Diego de Almagro founded the town under the name "Trujillo de Nueva Castilla." However, it was not until March 5, 1535, that the city was officially established with the installation of its first town council, led by Francisco Pizarro, who named it "Villa de Trujillo" in honor of his place of origin.

During the colonial era, "the city of eternal spring" served as the capital of the Intendencia and the corregimiento of the same name. Later, once Peru achieved independence, the city pioneered the establishment of a Court of Justice.

Twice, in 1823 and 1824, by decree of Simón Bolívar, Trujillo served as the provisional seat of government. This citadel, with its extensive history and cultural heritage, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1986.

These are the places you must visit in Trujillo

The "City of Eternal Spring" is distinguished by its rich culture and history, transcending borders and establishing itself as the Capital of Culture. Among its notable archaeological sites is the Chan Chan Archaeological Complex, considered the largest mud city in pre-Hispanic America and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

  • Plaza de Armas.
  • Plazuela El Recreo.
  • Trujillo Cathedral.
  • El Carmen Monastery.
  • Santo Domingo Church.
  • San Francisco Church.
  • San Agustín Church.
  • Church and Monastery of Santa Clara.
  • Baluarte Herrera Wall.
  • Trujillo Prefecture.
  • House of the Marshal of Orbegoso.
  • House of Emancipation.
  • Chan Chan.

Huacas del Sol and de la Luna.

Huanchaco.

Magdalena de Cao

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Edwin Caviedes is the founder and manager of Tierras Vivas, a company that benefits native people communities.